RESEARCH FINDINGS USING GUIDED
IMAGERY FOR
PEOPLE
UNDERGOING RADIATION
September, 2006
Scope
of the Problem of Radiation Side Effects
The
American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.2
million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2001
(2001). More than half of these people received radiation
therapy, either alone or in combination with surgery or
chemotherapy (Radiation Oncology, 2006). Possible radiation
side effects depend on the area of the body treated.
Some of the more common side effects are: loss of appetite;
anemia; shortness of breath; fatigue; hair loss; insomnia;
nausea and vomiting; skin rash/redness; and diarrhea. In
some treatments, there can be painful and unpleasant oral
side effects such as cavities, thickening saliva, and taste
loss.
Side effects such as hair loss and fatigue can add
additional stress to an already stressful disease. The
occurrence of side effects, or the fear of having side
effects, often leads to patients missing or stopping
treatments (Compliance and Compromise, undated).
About 50% of patients don’t follow through with their full
treatments, according to the American Cancer Society, and
cancer patients often feel a loss of control and feel
powerless (Compliance and Compromise, undated). The
frequent presence of depression “significantly
influence[s]” the severity of fatigue and anxiety in cancer
patients (Badger, Braden, and Mishel, 2001).
The majority of patients report significant lifestyle
changes. Some have insomnia. Some stop working or work
shorter schedules. For others, cancer and its treatment
badly affect their household duties and leisure activities
(Malone, Harris, et al, 1994). Quality of life is often
significantly lessened.
The physical and psychological issues of cancer and
radiation can lead to loss of time at work for the patient
and/or the caregiver, additional doctor’s office visits,
and failure to complete treatment -- all of which
contribute to death and disability, and to the $107 billion
direct and indirect annual costs of cancer (Healthy People
2010, 2000).
Research in Mind/Body Interventions for
Radiation
Patients
using guided imagery for coping with radiation therapy
reported lower stress levels, more energy, and a better
quality of life (Richardson, Post-White, et al, 1997).
Patients using audio relaxation and imagery programs
reported that they took better care of themselves (Bridge,
Benson, et al, 1988). Patients in one study who used
radiation-specific guided imagery had “enhanced comfort
levels” during treatment, especially in the first three
weeks of treatment (Kolcaba and Fox, 1999).
The ability to stay perfectly still is vital during
external beam radiation. People using hypnosis have been
successful in eliminating unwanted movement (Bertoni,
Conardi, et al, 1990), and in coping with claustrophobia
during radiation treatments.
Giving patients access to good information (including taped
programs for self-help), relaxation training, and Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have helped them overcome
helplessness and gain a better sense of control (Braden,
Mishel, and Longman, 1998; Christman and Cain, 2004; Greer,
Moorey, et al, 1992; Johnson, Fieler, et al, 1997).
Cognitive
Behavioral Stress Management was also effective at lowering
cancer patients’ serum cortisol (a stress-related chemical)
(Cruess, Antoni, et al, 2000).
The effectiveness of guided imagery, and other mind/body
approaches in coping with chronic pain, depression,
anxiety, and insomnia have been well documented.
Conclusion
Guided imagery can help patient tolerate radiation therapy,
and increase their likelihood of finishing all treatments.
It gives patients the tools to improve coping skills, stay
relaxed during treatments, and minimize the number and
severity of radiation side effects by lowering stress,
depression, and anxiety, and promoting a sense of being
more in control.
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